The Windows Package Manager community repository is the location for manifests published in the default Windows Package Manager source. Automated pipelines validate and publish these manifests. The quality of the metadata has a direct impact on customer experience. Human review has proven to be an invaluable tool for ensuring we can provide the best experiences.
In addition to Microsoft employees, several community members have been identified through their high-quality submissions, willingness to help others, and adherence to our code of conduct. You can see who they are in a pinned public service announcement.
When we initially implemented moderation, we observed several objective criteria. These included the number of Pull Requests (PR)s made, the length of time they had been active in the project, and their interaction with others who submitted PRs.
Our intent was not to introduce a numbers game for others to achieve and automatically become a moderator. Our goal from now on is to ensure the community is sufficiently supported by individuals who have the technical knowledge and a proven track record of success. Becoming a moderator is like becoming a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional. There isn't a set formula. We're looking at what individual contributors are doing, and how they are doing it. If the need arises to add additional moderators, nominations may come from one of the core team members or an existing moderator. We will publicly disclose the nomination in a discussion. If the nominee agrees to the requirements in this document, they may be awarded the status of moderator.
Moderators are expected to continue behaving in a manner consistent with what led to their nomination. In addition, they are given the ability to approve PRs for manifests. This should not be seen as the goal, however. The goal is to help ensure high-quality manifests and to help the community with package submission. They may request to discontinue this responsibility at any time and for any reason, and it will be honored.
Moderators should review PRs to ensure the metadata is accurate and that the Windows Package Manager will behave predictably with the given manifest. This includes checking the metadata and testing the installation of packages. Ideally, common issues will be documented and referred to for the sake of consistency. This might also include tips and tooling to help with the process. Some users are new to GitHub and may need a bit more support. We've all been new to Git at one point.
Moderators are often on the front line when new issues are identified. They should collaborate with each other, the community, and the product team. This will help ensure the Windows Package Manager continues to improve. Sometimes this could be by creating an Issue or a Discussion. Other times this may just be discussion in a PR. Moderators are ambassadors for the Windows Package Manager. Their tone sets the example others will follow.